How to Replace a Dampener in a Jabsco Diaphragm Pump

Mike: Hi, welcome to this episode of jabscotech. I'm Mike Irving.

Paul: And I'm Paul Campagna.

Mike: And today we're talking about diaphragm pumps and dampeners. What's the deal?

Paul: What we've seen in some installations and out in the field is a condition called very rapid cycling. And what this is is the pump is operating very close to its shut off pressure, and that can cause the pressure switch to operate really fast and go on and off, and what this can potentially do is cause a fire to the pump.

Mike: Yep. So, if you're unsure if your pumps running under normal conditions or very rapid cycling condition, check out our other video and we show you both and if it is that very rapid cycling condition we just need to swap out the dampener. The dampener is a little piece of plastic that goes behind the pressure switch and what that's going to do is it's going to alleviate some of the stress on that pressure switch. So, check it out. Here we go.

Mike: So as always, safety first.

Paul: Yep, safety is number one. For a high voltage pump – 110 230 volt – please do not work on this pump and contact the factory.

Mike: Yep, 12, 24 and 32; those are acceptable.

Paul: Yeah, they are. Just disconnect the power on those, you know, remove the fuse, disconnect the power. Also drain any pressure or fluid from the pump.

Mike: And talking about fluids, we want to make sure if this pump pumps chemicals, make sure you're wearing your gloves, your face mask, apron, goggles – all the safety precautions. Also, prep your area. In case you're using chemicals at the very end, decontaminate your tools and your work area. What about if it's a water system, Paul?

Paul: If it's a freshwater system, we need to sanitize the system to make sure there's no chemicals in there or bacteria that that you've been working on a water pump.

Mike: Awesome. Should we show them the video?

Paul: Sure, sounds good.

SQUARE HEAD PUMPS

Okay, so here we go. We're going to swap out the damper in the pressure switch. We're going to need a couple of tools – a Phillips head screwdriver and a pick or a small flat blade screwdriver. First of all, Mike please disconnect the power. Okay, and then we'll drain the pump; get the fluid out of there.

Mike: All the pressure is relieved.

Paul: Pressures out, and we're going to have a paper towel here just so we can catch any residual fluid. Okay, first of all, let's get those two screws out of the pressure switch. Okay, that's it and just in there is what we're going to remove. So, we can try to push on one side and get the pick underneath it. Okay, there we go. And there's more fluid coming out. So that's what we're removing. And we're putting the new one in. So, let's put that in. And then you can push it in with your fingers. That one back there on top. You can feel nice, smooth fit. And then push the screws back through a little bit so you can line them up with the holes for the pressure switch. Okay, there's one started; second one started. And then screw them up evenly so it pulls it all up nice and flat on the head of the pump. And then finally do the screws up to 15-inch pounds and there we go. We have just replaced that damper.

TRIANGLE HEAD PUMPS

Mike: So, check this out. We're going to go ahead and show you how to swap out the dampener on the Triplex head pump; has a triangle head. So, we're going to go ahead and pull off these two screws. Make sure you put your little bit of pressure on the pressure switch. There is a little spring behind it. So, there's going to be four things, four parts, you're going to need to be concerned about – the dampener, the diaphragm, the spring, and the poppet. So, pull this off. See, there's the dampener and the diaphragm. Now here's the old – there's the diaphragm – here's the old dampener. Inside right there, you can see the little poppet. That poppet post fits right into there. So, what I'll do is put this spring over the poppet, and that holds it in place. And then that little tower right there, that goes right at the 5 o’clock position. There you go. The diaphragm, the bump goes towards the motor. Pressure switch goes right over it again. Kind of swing it in. Line it up. Now put it in, but not all the way. Just want to give yourself a little bit of wiggle room to set the other screw. And these get tightened down to about 15-inch pounds. And you’re good to go. Go ahead and test your system and you should be all set.

 Well, that was pretty cool, Paul. We showed the customer how to swap out the dampener in some of our diaphragm pumps. Key takeaways?

Paul: Couple of great videos there, Mike, but the main key takeaways always stay safe. If you have high voltage, just please contact the factory and do not work on that pump and then the lower voltage please disconnect the power. Also drain the pump of any fluids and pressure that may be inside the pump.

Mike: Now, the other take away is, is this doesn't affect our newer pumps, this is only for our older pumps. If you want to find a listing of some of the pumps that are affected, give the factory a call and we'll go ahead and send you out the bulletin. The bulletin lists all the part numbers, so if you have any concerns questions, give us a call. Feel free to. I'm Mike Irving.

Paul: And I'm Paul Campagna.

Mike: Thanks a lot for watching this episode of jabscotech. We'll talk to you soon.